Car Talk Columns

November 1996


Dear Tom and Ray:

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I have a 1956 Chrysler "HEMI" 354. After replacing one hose on the power- steering system, a loud moaning and groaning developed. It's a steady noise while the motor is running and the car is in Park. While I am driving, the noise disappears. Any suggestions, please! -- Ed

Ray: Well, Ed. Any time I hear a moaning and groaning noise, it's usually one of my passengers. And it's usually due to my driving.

Tom: I think it's your power-steering pump, Ed. You probably replaced the power-steering hose because it sprang a leak. And while the system was low on fluid, my guess is that the pump got damaged.

Ray: And the only reason it "disappears" while you're driving is because you can't hear it over all the other road noise and the roar of that HEMI engine! It's probably still there.

Tom: Start searching around for a power-steering pump, Ed. By the time you find one, this one should be good and ready for retirement.


How can you tell if a used car is in good condition -- or even OK, for that matter? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know." Send $3 and a stamped (55 cents), self-addressed, No. 10 envelope to Used Car, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.


© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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